Frankie Dettori faces a disciplinary hearing of the French racing authorities tomorrow in Paris with the prospect of a long ban hanging over his head.

The three-time champion tested positive to a prohibited substance, believed to be cocaine or a derivative of it, while riding at Longchamp on September 16.

Normal procedure is for the Medical Committee of France Galop to judge whether rider has a case to answer before the Stewards’ Committee is asked to decide on a penalty.

French date: Frankie Dettori, pictured here celebrating winning the Darley Irish Oaks last year, has failed a drugs test in France and tomorrow faces a hearing into that failed dope test (FILE IMAGE)

These two hearings can be up to 10 days apart.

However, it is understood that the French authorities could be persuaded to stage hearings of both committees on the same day.

The usual shroud of secrecy hangs over the internal workings of France Galop, who released minimal information when Kieren Fallon twiced tested positive for cocaine, incurring a six-month ban on the first occasion and 18 months the second time.

The Fallon case has led to speculation that Dettori could be facing a similar ban if he is found in breach of regulations.

That would potentially rule him out until May next year.

Career threatening: Dettori has reportedly tested positive for cocaine or a derivative